TBILISI -- Ten of the 36 parties and movements that applied to participate in the upcoming Georgian local elections have been denied registration, Georgian media reports.

Six parties were denied registration because they failed to submit the requisite 30,000 signatures in their support. Irregularities were found on the lists of signatures submitted by four other parties, including the Green Party.

The Green Party has protested that refusal, which it says constitutes political persecution.

Along with local elections on May 30, parliamentary by-elections in three constituencies and the direct election of the Tbilisi mayor will also be held.

Incumbent Mayor Gigi Ugulava, an associate of President Mikheil Saakashvili and member of ruling National Movement, is the favorite to win the mayoral race. The top opposition leader and the head of the opposition party Our Georgia -- Free Democrats, Irakli Alasania, is also competing for the post.